India, Nov. 20 -- Filmmaker Anand Gandhi has previously wowed audiences with Ship of Theseus (2013) and Tumbbad (2018). Now, he returns with his most ambitious venture yet, Maya, a sprawling sci-fi fantasy universe co-created with designer Zain Menon. Conceived as a multi-format, interconnected narrative, the universe combines films, stories, games, and immersive experiences to explore ideas of truth, control, and human potential in the 21st century.

The first product of the universe is a novel, MAYA: Seed Takes Root, which launched on Kickstarter and is narrated by Hugo Weaving. In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, Anand and Zain spoke about the creative impulse behind Maya, their collaboration with Hollywood star Hugo Wea...